The Jesuit Higher Achievement Program (HAP) at Xavier is a tuition-free, five-week summer program for rising eighth grade boys who excel academically, have leadership potential, and are open to growth.
HAP will be in session from June 30 through July 31, 2025, running Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Our online application for HAP is now open. Please see below for application requirements and a notification timeline.
Every HAP student completes a rigorous course of study that is designed to give him a sense of what a high school college preparatory experience is like. Each day includes class time dedicated to core subjects, ensuring that HAP graduates return to eighth grade more confident in their academic abilities and serious about their future in high school and beyond. Additionally, students also take one cycle each of classes focused on Science, Technology, and Art (STArt), and choose from over a dozen Option Classes that change every year based on the unique interests of Xavier’s dedicated and innovative faculty. Finally, Xavier believes it is important to take advantage of New York City’s rich history and famed cultural institutions. HAP students go on two field trips, and in the past have visited places like the Museum of Natural History, the Jackie Robinson Museum, and the Museum of the City of New York.
Core Subjects
STArt
Intramural Sports
2024 Option Classes
HAP is a tuition-free program for all students supported by Xavier High School and the USA East Province of the Society of Jesus. We also depend on the generosity of former and current HAP families to keep the program accessible to students of diverse backgrounds and means. Please consider making a donation using the link below. Every gift matters!
Submit the supporting documents outlined in Steps 4-5 by one of two methods:
Xavier High School
Attn: Office of Admissions
30 West 16th Street
New York, NY 10011
After your son has been accepted to HAP, you will receive an email from Magnus Health asking you to create a profile for your student. The profile will include a form entitled “HAP 2025 Registration Confirmation.” Please complete this form in a timely manner, as it will serve as your confirmation of enrollment.
HAP begins on Monday, July 1 and runs on weekdays (Monday-Friday) through Thursday, August 1.
Please note: HAP will not be in session on Thursday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day.
HAP begins promptly at 8:30 a.m. each day. Students may arrive as early as 8 a.m. to the main gym, and each morning will start with an assembly. Students are not permitted in the school before 8 a.m. Students will be dismissed each day at 2:30 p.m. Punctuality is expected! Lateness may lead to dismissal from HAP. To make the most of this opportunity, students must be present on a regular basis. Three or more unexcused absences may result in dismissal from HAP.
HAP Parent Back-To-School Night will be held on July 24, 2025 from 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. HAP Graduation will be held on July 31, 2025 at 6 p.m., in the Church of St. Francis Xavier (directly adjacent to Xavier). This is a prestigious event during which we recognize the hard work and achievements of our HAP students. Families are highly encouraged to attend.
There are no after-care programs available at Xavier. Students are dismissed at 2:30 p.m. and are responsible for coordinating their own transportation home. Students are not permitted in the school after 2:30 p.m. dismissal each day.
Unfortunately, we cannot. Students and parents/guardians are expected to coordinate travel to and from Xavier.
Students should dress neatly, but comfortably. Since the program is conducted during the summer and students will be active in sports, they are encouraged to dress in shorts, sneakers, and t-shirts.
No; students must bring their own lunch each day. Students are not allowed to leave the building during lunch and there is no food available for purchase in the building.
It is best to bring general school materials—folder, pens, pencils, and a notebook. On the first day of classes, HAP teachers will inform students of any special materials they might need after that.
Xavier is located at 30 West 16th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues. The closest subway stations are the 14th Street station on 6th Avenue (also has a 16th Street entry/exit point, which is on the same block as Xavier) and the Union Square station (entry/exit points at both 14th and 16th Streets) just two blocks from Xavier. There are also many local and express buses that stop in the nearby vicinity. Students who commute at least 1.5 miles to Xavier will receive a free MTA transportation pass during the first week of HAP. These guidelines are defined by the MTA and not by Xavier High School. Student metrocards will work on all NYC subways and local buses. Until passes are distributed, students must pay for their own transportation to Xavier.
Xavier HAP will play a “home-and-home” athletic competition with the St. Peter’s Prep HAP (our brother Jesuit school in Jersey City, NJ). These competitions will take place on Tuesday, July 15 and Tuesday, July 22, respectively. If a student is placed on a “travel” team on either of these days, please note he may arrive back at Xavier later than 2:30 p.m.
HAP is a tuition-free program, but donations are graciously accepted. Checks can be made out to “Xavier High School” and donations can be submitted at any time. You may also make a secure donation here.
Phase 1 application materials due; decision notification January 6
Phase 2 application materials due; decision notification February 28
Phase 3 application materials due; decision notification May 23
First day of HAP
HAP Parent Back-to-School Night (3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.)
HAP Graduation (Church of St. Francis Xavier, 6 p.m.)
If you have questions about HAP, please email HAP Director Mike Fiore ’10 at hap@xavierhs.org.
HAP depends on the generosity of current and former families to remain tuition-free.